Cannabis Consumption Alters DNA in Sperm – Study Reveals

A recent study from Duke University Medical Center, United
States reveals that exposure to cannabis or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by men
in their child-bearing years alters the genetic profile of their sperm.

The study also revealed that many outside factors can effect
sperm, ranging from tobacco smoke to pesticides, flame retardants to obesity,
all of which can have epigenetic effects.

Epigenetics are inheritable traits that don’t effect DNA
sequencing, but typically stem from life experiences.

The new research shows that THC can effect epigenetics,
causing structural and regulatory changes in the DNA of users’ sperm.

The study which looked at 24 men discovered that THC appears
to target genes in two major cellular pathways and alters DNA methylation, a
process essential to normal development.

The senior author of the study, Scott Kollins, a Professor
in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences said, “what we have found is that the
effects of cannabis use on males and their reproductive health are not
completely null. “In that there’s something about cannabis use that affects the
genetic profile in sperm.”

The co-author of the study, Susan Murphy, an Associate
Professor said “We know that there are effects of cannabis use on the
regulatory mechanisms in sperm DNA, but we don’t know whether they can be
transmitted to the next generation.”

Murphy added that “In the absence of a larger, definitive
study, the best advice would be to assume these changes are going to be there.
We don’t know whether they are going to be permanent. “I would say, as a
precaution, stop using cannabis for at least six months before trying to
conceive,” she stressed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Cannabis or
Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the THC
which contains mind-altering chemicals and other similar compounds. (Vanguard)

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